Edwards delighted with Davies return

Shaun Edwards admits the potential return to action of Jonathan Davies could provide Wales with a major boost.

The centre has missed Wales' defeats at the hands of Argentina and Samoa due to a groin injury but will return to full training this week.

Wales face New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday and Edwards believes Davies can enhance their chances.

"He's key to our defensive system," said Edwards.

"You always miss your top players and we hope he comes through. It will also be great to have another centre to pick from.

"Ashley Beck scored a great try but you always want your most experienced players available, especially for the ultimate Test which is against the All Blacks."

Warren Gatland will also return to the helm of the Wales management team for the final two Dove Men Series Tests against New Zealand and Australia.

And Edwards admits the presence of Gatland could also help Wales get their disappointing autumn campaign back on track.

"I'm sure Warren coming back will lift the spirits," said Edwards.

"We've been a strong coaching team over the last five years.

"I expect him to be his normal self, he's the gaffa and will give us some words of wisdom. As Saturday gets closer I'm sure he'll become more and more involved."

Following Wales' consecutive shock defeats the All Blacks provide an even more daunting prospect than usual.

Edwards admits his players are under pressure to perform but he insists they have the ability to restore pride.

"For the players the pressure is on," added the Wales defence coach.

"They know if they don't perform it could get embarrassing against the All Blacks.

"If you're slow getting in position, don't keep your defence structure and don't get enough possession you will be punished.

"The All Blacks are probably in better form now than when they were going into the World Cup final because they have a settled team and not as many injuries as back then.

"But in Australia we showed how well we can compete against the southern hemisphere sides. Yes we lost all three but when you look at Wales' record down under they are the closet games we've had in the southern hemisphere."

L'equipe's Richard Escot has been to all the major rugby stadiums around the world but has no hesitation in saying Principality Stadium is the only thing worth saving if everything else around it was collapsing.

Having signed a national dual contract earlier in the week, Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will be hoping for a double celebration by leading his country to second place in the NatWest 6 Nations when coming up against France in the final round.

George North inched closer to Shane Williams record of 22 tries in the Six Nations, his brace taking him to third on the list with Gareth Edwards (18) now in his sights. He looks back on a job well done by Wales.

Taulupe Faletau is looking forward to his first game as Wales captain where he will play alongside debutant James Davies in a fresh looking back row against Italy in the NatWest 6 Nations tomorrow afternoon in Cardiff

Head coach Warren Gatland has handed 'world-class' Taulupe Faletau the captaincy for Wales' clash against Italy on Sunday, and believes it is an opportunity for Wales to get even 'more out of him in terms of leadership qualities'

The Wales squad reported back into camp this morning ahead of Sunday's vital NatWest 6 Nations encounter against Italy. Assistant coach Neil Jenkins says the return of Taulupe Faletau is a big plus for the team.

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde pays Ireland credit for their victory last Saturday in the NatWest 6 Nations but refuses to get bogged down with the result as there is a bigger picture to think about as well - the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.

British & Irish Lions trio Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams and Dan Biggar return to the Wales starting line-up for Saturday's crucial NatWest 6 Nations encounter in Dublin against Ireland where Warren Gatland's men will be seeking their second scalp of the campaign.

Wales forward coach Robin McBryde has given Welsh fans a major boost ahead of this weekend's vital NatWest 6 Nations clash by declaring "Everybody has been given the green light," with injured trio Dan Biggar, Taulupe Faletau and Leigh Halfpenny all back in training.

L'equipe's Richard Escot has been to all the major rugby stadiums around the world but has no hesitation in saying Principality Stadium is the only thing worth saving if everything else around it was collapsing.